How to Install an RPM

If you've chosen to switch to a Linux-based operating system for your home or work computer, you'll have to install an RPM file or file manager. RPM stands for "Red Hat’s Package Manager." No doubt, if you're trying to install an RPM (".rpm" file), then you must be using some version of "Red Hat Linux" as an operating system. Following these steps to learn how to install an ".rpm" file.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• RPM packages
• Computer
• Linux

1. Open the command prompt and type in the following command: "rpm -qa | more". This will allow you to see what software you have installed.
2. Find the ".rpm" package that you want to install. Make sure that you haven't already installed this package. Installing over the top of a previous install may damage your system.
3. Type the following command into the command line: "rpm -i newfilepackage-1-10.rpm". Assume that “newfilepackage-1-10.rpm” is the name of the new package you wish to install.
4. Verify that you've installed the package correctly by typing "rpm –Va" into the command line. This will allow you to verify things like size, MD5 sum, permissions, group, type as well as the package’s owner.
5. Keep back-up copies of the packages you install. Keep track of updates that are released for your packages. In case of a system crash or instability, you'll have something to fall back upon.

Tips & Warnings

• You should always uninstall a package before updating it with a new one.
• If you receive an error message during the install of a new package, you may force the installation.
• Don't install a package over a previous version or a damaged version of a package. This may cause system instability.
• Uninstalling RPM packages can sometimes leave traces of files on your system. Remove these traces before trying to reinstall or update a package.

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